Think Beyond Summit
What collaboration in research really means
At the Think Beyond Summit organised by the FWF on 19 February 2026, the focus was on the power of collaboration in Austrian Clusters of Excellence. These research networks, such as MetAGE, are an association of at least three universities or research institutions dedicated to a common research topic. The discussions during the summit made it clear that collaboration in science is not just a structural model, but often makes research possible in the first place.
In MetAGE, some experiments would simply not work without close collaboration between different disciplines and institutions. Understanding metabolic regulation in the ageing process requires expertise that no single laboratory has on its own – from molecular mechanisms to clinical validation. The complexity of the issues requires a shared infrastructure, shared data and shared thinking.
At the same time, research excellence does not arise in isolation. Exchange beyond our own cluster – with other clusters of excellence, with industry and with international partners – sharpens our perspective. An external view often challenges assumptions and strengthens science.
Another aspect that was strongly emphasised throughout the summit was the importance of science communication. Collaborative research does not end in the laboratory. If we want fundamental discoveries to shape innovation and society, we must also communicate them clearly and responsibly.
Our most important insight was that collaboration is not an add-on to cutting-edge research. It is the condition that allows it to happen.
Summary of the summit and introductory video of the clusters
